Cultural Realm: Conversations with Friends from China and Abroad

Author: Sun Jiazheng / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Sun Jiazheng is the representative of Chinese culture, an advocate and participant in building a diverse global cultural landscape, and a sincere listener. He once said, "People need to share their thoughts, and they also need to listen. Listening is often more important than sharing. Both sharing and listening require the heart." With the heart as a mirror, hearts can connect. From this book, we can see Sun Jiazheng becoming friends with many visitors, his reflections on cultural evolution and institutional reform, his sincere consultations with Chinese and foreign friends on the internationalization of the cultural industry, and his determination to uphold the independent character of Chinese culture and expand its international influence. As the Minister of Culture of a great country with a 5,000-year civilization, he is certainly not lacking in cultural confidence, which makes him even more candid, gentle, and able to confront current issues and problems directly. This book is compiled from the recorded transcripts of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Culture's External Relations Bureau. All the chapters and subtopics are derived from conversations between Sun Jiazheng and Chinese and foreign friends. Below each chapter, notes or prefaces are provided to explain the key points of the meetings and conversations, with brief annotations for important figures for the readers' reference. The main text strives to remain faithful to the original conversations.
Facing the complex and ever-changing international situation, Sun Jiazheng naturally expresses his solemn stance. He is reasonable, emotional, and balanced in his arguments. The tone of these conversations is straightforward and sincere, but it also occasionally reveals the wisdom of a philosopher and the radiance of ideals, with the spirited exchanges between wise minds vividly captured.
Sun: The 30-year journey of Sino-US relations has indeed been very difficult. In essence, cultural exchange means opening one's heart to others, allowing them to see a sincere heart.
Ki: However, from a certain perspective, this is very difficult. China has a history of over 4,000 years, while our American history is even shorter than some Chinese dynasties. From my experience, Chinese people often adopt a long-term perspective on many issues, while Americans tend to lack patience. Nevertheless, even though bilateral relations are complex, I believe that overall, they have been steadily developing over the past 30 years. We have adapted to many changes in the environment. Moreover, my impression is that current relations between the two countries are very good. We look forward to the upcoming mutual visits of the leaders of both countries.
Sun: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the World War II against Fascism. China is currently preparing for the commemorative activities with great intensity. When recalling this war, the Chinese people naturally think of the support and solidarity from the U.S. government and people during that time. We will invite surviving veterans who participated in the Chinese War of Resistance against Japanese aggression to attend the commemorative events.
Ki: Several years ago, I visited a museum in Chongqing that showcased the history of that period and highly honored the United States.
Sun: In Nanjing, where I worked, there is a famous cemetery for American pilots. Although their remains have been returned to the U.S., the site remains a memorial where people still visit to pay respects. From a cultural perspective, the Chinese and U.S. governments often disagree on certain issues, with different views and criticisms of some U.S. policies, including those I hold as a Chinese person. However, I believe the feelings between the two peoples and the two great nations have always been close and friendly. The negotiations you participated in for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. also contributed to the development of Sino-Japanese relations.
In recent two to three decades, Sino-Japanese relations have also seen significant development, especially in economic ties, similar to Sino-US relations. However, it is very regrettable that China-Japan political relations, including the sentiments between the two peoples, have now reached their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Since Hu Jintao President, the Chinese government leadership has taken a series of measures to improve relations based on the three documents on the normalization of bilateral relations. Regarding the issue of Sino-Japanese relations, I would also like to hear your opinions.
P5